The 49ers are where the Raiders were three years ago – drastically undermanned, in the midst of unrelenting losing, and with Fort Knox-like money under the salary cap. Obviously, the 10-2 Raiders have made the right moves in hiring coach Jack Del Rio, drafting players like Derek Carr and Amari Cooper, and acquiring players like …

On the surface, it appears to be a shot of good news after the 49ers’ first seven games were against teams sporting a 29-15 record: They don’t play a game against a team that currently has a winning record until they host the Chargers on Dec. 20. …

DENVER — The 49ers had several factors working against them Sunday night: a slew of injuries, a short work week and a game against the defending AFC champions in mile-high altitude. Oh, yeah, they also had to deal with this rather significant obstacle: Peyton Williams Manning. …

DENVER — The good news for the 49ers in tonight’s meeting against the Broncos and quarterback Peyton Manning: Starting cornerback Tramaine Brock is active for the first time since he sustained a turf-toe injury in the season opener. …

DENVER — At his introductory press conference in January 2011, fresh-from-Stanford Jim Harbaugh was asked about the successful college coaches – Steve Spurrier, Nick Saban, Bobby Petrino et al – who had flopped in the NFL. …

In their past eight regular-season games dating to last year, the 49ers have faced two of the best tight ends in NFL history: Atlanta’s now-retired Tony Gonzalez and Dallas’ Jason Witten, who rank first and second, respectively, in career receptions at their position. …